Here’s Why WikiLeaks CIA Hacking Does Not Matter

Wikileaks published a cache of documents, exposing the tactics that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) used to spy on people. The organization released more than 8,700 documents and files with the code name Vault 7 last Tuesday. The report claims that the contents of Vault 7 are a part of a CIA archive.

Wikileaks CIA Hacking: Is it orchestrated by Russia?

Despite the brevity and magnitude of the leakage, people should not panic over it. Some experts stated that unless the government is monitoring an individual as a suspected terrorist, there is nothing to fear. It only goes to say that unless you are guilty of a crime, you do not have to worry about the whole controversy.

In addition, some skeptics say that the leakage might be a part the disinformation campaign which Russia launched. If this is true, it would undermine the U.S. intelligence agencies in general. Some of the information of the leak can true, some could be an exaggeration or an outright lie. However, there is no confirmation or evidence that Russia orchestrated the leak.

Wikileaks is an organization whose job is to leak highly confidential government data. The website claimed that the CIA lost control of an archive which contains the details on how they hack devices. Reportedly, some former U.S. government hackers and contractors got their hands on the archive. These hackers provided portions of the archive to Wikileaks.

Wikileaks claims that the CIA can hack into any device connected to the internet

If the information Wikileaks reported is accurate, it would mean that the CIA have power over every device. The CIA might have a variety of tools that can hack a smart TV, phone, computer, and router. Basically, Wikileaks claims that the CIA can hack into every device connected to the internet.

Additionally, CIA’s mechanisms can also read encrypted messages sent on apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. If the report holds any truth to it, then the CIA can hack into android phones, iPhones, Windows and Linux computers, Mac computers, routers, and Smart TVs.

The CIA knew about the supposed leak but did not give any confirmation or denial about the issue. Moreover, CIA’s statement suggested that even if the leak was real, it is their job to spy on people, especially those who are out the Unites States.

Wikileaks CIA hacking: The agency neither denies or confirms the leak

The CIA stated that will not comment on the authenticity of purported intelligence documents. The agency will not reveal the status of their investigation regarding the source of the documents. Despite refusing to comment on the leak, CIA clarified that it is their mission to ‘aggressively’ collect foreign intelligence overseas. They have to do the mission in order to protect America from hostile nations, terrorists and other adversaries. The agency added that it is their job ‘to be innovative, cutting-edge.’ They are the first line of defense in protecting the country from enemies outside the nation.

Furthermore, CIA also reiterated that it is ‘legally prohibited’ to conduct electronic surveillance on an individual within America. CIA does not hack into U.S. citizens’ devices. The agency stated that their activities fully comply with the U.S. law and constitution. The intelligence agency left a warning on the motive of Wikileaks.

“The American public should be deeply troubled by any Wikileaks disclosure designed to damage the Intelligence Community’s ability to protect America against terrorists and other adversaries. Such disclosures not only jeopardize US personnel and operations but also equip our adversaries with tools and information to do us harm.”